The Protocol on phytosanitary requirements for fresh pomelos and lemons exported to China has opened up significant opportunities for Vietnam’s fruit export sector. However, to effectively capitalize on this opportunity, compliance with requirements related to growing area codes, packing facility codes, and quality control is essential.

Major opportunities for fruit exports

On May 14, in Ho Chi Minh City, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment held a conference announcing the Protocol on phytosanitary requirements for fresh pomelos and fresh lemons exported from Vietnam to China, along with Decree No. 38/2026/NĐ-CP dated January 24, 2026, regulating the import of plants with soil-attached roots and the management of growing area and packing facility codes.

Mr. Huynh Thanh Dat, Director General of the Department of Crop Production under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, stated that pomelos and lemons are two fruit categories in which Vietnam holds strong competitive advantages. Currently, the country’s pomelo cultivation area reaches approximately 106,000 hectares, with annual output exceeding one million tonnes, placing Vietnam among the world’s major producers.

Meanwhile, lemon cultivation covers more than 44,000 hectares, with output nearing 700,000 tonnes, mainly concentrated in the Mekong Delta and the Southeast region.

Pomelos and lemons are among Vietnam’s key agricultural products. Recognizing the strategic importance of these fruits early on, Vietnam submitted export applications to China in 2018. After eight years of negotiations and preparations, the Protocol on phytosanitary requirements for fresh pomelos and lemons exported to China was officially signed in April this year.

Commenting on this development, Mr. Hoang Trung, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, said the signing of the Protocol was the result of many years of technical negotiations between the relevant authorities of both countries.

China is currently one of the world’s largest fruit import markets, while Vietnamese pomelos enjoy advantages such as year-round harvesting, long preservation periods, and suitability for both road and sea transportation, creating strong potential for expanding official export channels.

However, the signing of the Protocol is only the beginning. More importantly, the technical requirements must be implemented consistently in actual production practices.

Accordingly, export-oriented growing areas must comply with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Integrated Pest Management (IPM), pest monitoring systems, fruit fly trapping measures, detailed production record-keeping, and traceability requirements.

Mr. Vo Quan Huy, Director of Huy Long An Co., Ltd., stated that China’s market opening for Vietnamese lemons and pomelos comes at a highly opportune time for the fruit industry. According to him, lemon cultivation has been “waiting for market opportunities,” while pomelos, despite once carrying significant expectations, have recently shown signs of stagnation, with many farmers abandoning cultivation due to market difficulties.

Sharing the same optimism, Ms. Ngo Tuong Vy, Chief Executive Officer of Chanh Thu Fruit Import-Export Group Joint Stock Company in Vinh Long Province, said market signals for Vietnamese pomelos are currently very positive. Supermarket chains in China specializing in pomelo sales are eagerly awaiting Vietnamese products.

To prepare for opportunities in the Chinese market, Chanh Thu is currently researching various fruit bagging materials suitable for different pomelo varieties. Nam Roi pomelos require maintaining their yellow color, while green-skin pomelos must preserve their natural green appearance.

Meeting stringent standards

Under the Protocol, the Chinese market requires mandatory fruit bagging at least 60 days before harvest. This is not considered an obstacle but rather a beneficial solution that helps reduce pesticide use, improve product quality, and meet export requirements.

Regarding growing area codes, Ms. Ngo Tuong Vy noted that the issuance of growing area and packing facility codes in several localities has revealed confusion and procedural bottlenecks, particularly since Vietnam adopted a two-tier local government model.

In some provinces, the appraisal process for growing area code applications has been delegated to commune-level economic divisions. However, due to limited technical expertise, local officials often require extended processing times. At present, the number of fruit growing area codes remains insufficient compared to export demand. Delays in approving growing area and packing facility codes could therefore significantly affect export activities.

Although market access has now been secured, transforming this opportunity into export orders while ensuring compliance with regulations set by the General Administration of Customs of China and minimizing export-related risks remains a major challenge. The Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection has urged local authorities and enterprises to accelerate the establishment and management of growing area and packing facility codes, with particular emphasis on pest control. This is a mandatory requirement for the official export of fresh fruits to China.

According to the Protocol, all growing areas and packing facilities exporting pomelos and lemons to China must be registered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment through the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection and approved by the General Administration of Customs of China.

Based on these requirements, Deputy Minister Hoang Trung requested that all localities producing commercial pomelos and lemons complete the issuance of growing area and packing facility codes for these products before May 30, 2026, and submit the list to the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection so that diplomatic documentation can be sent to China for approval prior to export activities.

Source: Tap chi Kinh te Tai chinh